Protection & Enhancement
Environmentally Endangered Lands Program (EEL)
Miami-Dade County's Department of Environmental Resources Management (DERM) identifies and purchases environmentally rare and endangered properties which are then managed by the Park and Recreation Department's Natural Areas Management program. The County has bought a total of more than 28.5 square miles of environmental land for public ownership since 1991.
Acquiring, protecting, and restoring these habitats is important for protecting biodiversity and preserving the diverse wildlife, lush native plants, and serenity of natural settings for the enjoyment of future generations. Preserving "open green space" is also essential to recharging our drinking water aquifer and preventing flooding during heavy rains.
Artificial Reef Program
 The Department of Environmental Resources Management’s Artificial Reef Program protects natural reefs and creates new artificial reefs in Biscayne Bay, through placement of concrete, steel and other materials (sometimes carefully prepared recycled materials are even used). Enhancing bottom habitats help support our tourism and fishing industries while keeping our ecosystems healthy.
Bay restoration
Since 1988, DERM’s Restoration and Enhancement Program DERM has restored and enhanced over 300 acres of coastal wetlands, 60 acres of maritime hammock, and 22 islands within Biscayne Bay. These ecosystems help stabilize the shoreline, provide shelter for marine life, and help support the food chain which many of our local businesses depend on. The Bay is an aquatic paradise for both residents and visitors and is home to a multitude of marinas, sailing clubs, dive outfits, wind surfers, kayakers, canoeists, fishermen, and other outdoor enthusiasts.
Green Corridors: Greenways and Blueways
The vision of the Park and Recreation Department’s New Park and Open Space System Master Plan is to be able to travel on foot, skates or bike through a safe pathway of connecting parks and green spaces from northern Miami-Dade County to its southern most tip. The plan does more than connect parks to form a greenway. It connects neighborhoods to libraries and schools to provide safer, more peaceful travel paths as alternatives to our congested roadways. Waterways or “blueways” allow residents to travel the County by boat or canoe.
 Environmental protection and education
The Miami-Dade Police Department is hard at work doing its part to nab eco-criminals! It has developed many specialized surveillance techniques and dedicated three units to detect, investigate and apprehend polluters in our community. The units work closely with residents, business owners, and other County departments to help uncover and deter environmental crimes.
Since 2003, over 61,000 students have also participated in the Police Department’s free, fun, and interactive elementary-level environmental education program. This program explores local natural resources with participants and details the Miami-Dade Police Department’s vital role in protecting our natural resources.
Tree canopy restoration
 Miami-Dade County’s Adopt-a-Tree program has provided over 105,000 trees to residents since 2001. Public Works has planted over 60,000 trees countywide and the Office of Community Image has provided additional plantings at the County’s gateways and along major corridors. Trees absorb carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, and help filter other pollutants. Trees can reduce particulates in the air by up to 60 percent. Trees reduce stormwater runoff and reduce pavement, building, and air temperatures, resulting in significant savings on air conditioning costs.
|
files, you can download 
